A personal line of credit gives you flexible access to cash, similar to a credit card, but often with lower rates and higher borrowing limits. You can withdraw only what you need, repay it, and borrow again as your available credit replenishes.
The best personal lines of credit in 2026 come from banks, credit unions, and online lenders, each with different rates and approval requirements. Below are our top picks based on cost, flexibility, and borrower experience.
Table of Contents
Best personal lines of credit in 2026
MoneyLion
Why MoneyLion is one of the best
MoneyLion is a marketplace that provides access to personal loans and lines of credit from a network of lenders. Whether you need a personal loan for a large purchase or a line of credit for ongoing expenses, MoneyLion lets you compare prequalified offers in one place.
You can complete the entire process online in seconds with a short form. Seeing your results is free and won’t affect your credit score.
- Offers access to both lines of credit and personal loans
- Compare prequalified offers from one location
- No application or service fees
- It doesn’t affect your credit score
- Only prequalified with its network of lenders
| Rates (APR) | Vary by lender |
| Loan amounts | Vary by lender |
| Repayment terms | Vary by lender |
Eligibility requirements
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Minimum credit score: None
- Minimum income: None
- States: All 50 states and D.C.
FourLeaf Credit Union
Why FourLeaf’s HELOC is one of the best
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union (FCU) offers a competitive option for homeowners: a home equity line of credit (HELOC) with a low introductory rate and borrowing limits up to $1 million. It also covers closing costs for lines under $500,000, which can save you thousands in upfront fees.
Once approved, FourLeaf gives you a 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment period. Plus, it offers the option to lock in a fixed rate on a portion of your balance, which adds flexibility if interest rates rise.
- 12-month fixed introductory rate for qualified borrowers
- $0 application, origination, and appraisal fees
- $0 closing costs
- Convert some or all of your HELOC into a fixed-rate loan at no cost
- Information on time it takes to close unavailable
| Rates (APR) | 12-month introductory rate starting at 6.99% for VantageScores of 720 and up1, with variable post-introductory rates starting at 8.50% |
| Loan amounts | $10,000 – $500,000 |
| Repayment terms | 5, 10, and 20 years |
| Min. credit score | 670 |
Eligibility requirements
FourLeaf doesn’t disclose every eligibility requirement, such as which properties qualify and the income or DTI you need to be approved. However, here are the eligibility requirements listed on its website:
- For FourLeaf’s introductory rate, the maximum LTV is 75%
- Minimum credit score for borrowers is 670
- Membership at FourLeaf is required
- Hazard insurance and/or flood insurance is required for loans secured by property
U.S. Bank
Why U.S. Bank is one of the best
U.S. Bank offers personal loans and unsecured personal lines of credit. You can get up to $25,000, and personal line of credit rates are competitive. If you’re getting a personal line of credit for emergencies, you can link it to your U.S. Bank checking account for easy transfers. You can also use it as backup overdraft protection for your checking account.
The lack of an annual fee is a standout benefit; most other lines of credit come with an annual maintenance fee. Once approved, you can manage your credit line at ATMs, online, through the U.S. Bank mobile app, at a branch, or using personal access checks.
- Offers multiple lines of credit for different uses
- No annual fee
- Check your eligibility without affecting your credit
- Must have a U.S. Bank checking account
| Rates (APR) | 12.50% – 22.50% |
| Loan amounts | Up to $25,000 |
| Repayment terms | 1 – 7 years |
Eligibility requirements
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Minimum credit score: 680
- Minimum income: Not disclosed
- States: All 50 states and D.C.
- Other requirements: Must be a U.S. Bank checking account client
Elastic
Why Elastic is one of the best
Elastic offers access to a smaller personal line of credit. You can borrow $500 to $4,500 to cover emergencies or day-to-day costs, and funding is available as soon as the next day after approval.
While Elastic doesn’t charge traditional interest, it uses a fee-based structure that can be expensive depending on how long you carry a balance. Be sure to compare the total monthly cost against interest-based credit lines before committing.
You might consider Elastic if you need funds fast and have a bank account. You’ll need a checking account to receive proceeds from your line of credit.
Rather than charging interest, Elastic charges a cash advance fee and a carried balance fee to access your line of credit. The cash advance fee ranges from 5% to 10%, and the carried balance fee is $5 to $350, depending on how often you make payments.
- Funds available as soon as the next day
- Access to financial tools like Credit Score Plus and Financial U
- Check your eligibility without affecting your credit
- Fee structure makes it difficult to predict costs
- Not available in all 50 states
| Rates (APR) | None, payment based on fees |
| Loan amounts | $500 – $4,500 |
| Repayment terms | Not disclosed |
Eligibility requirements
- Soft credit check: Yes
- Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
- Minimum income: Not disclosed
- States: Not disclosed
How a personal line of credit works
A personal line of credit is a revolving credit account that lets you borrow money as needed up to a set limit. Instead of receiving your funds in one lump sum (like a personal loan), you can withdraw smaller amounts over time and only pay interest on what you use.
Once you repay what you borrowed, that available credit becomes usable again, as with a credit card.
Most personal lines of credit have variable interest rates, meaning your rate can go up or down over time. Some lenders also charge maintenance fees, annual fees, or withdrawal fees, depending on the product.
In most cases, you can access your credit line through:
- Transfers to your bank account
- Checks provided by the lender
- Online banking or mobile apps
- In-branch withdrawals (for traditional banks and credit unions)
Personal lines of credit are best for borrowers who want flexibility, ongoing access to funds, or a backup source of emergency cash.
What to know about lenders
Not all personal line of credit lenders work the exact same way.
- Traditional banks often offer the lowest rates, but they’re also harder to qualify for and may require an existing relationship.
- Credit unions can be a great alternative, though you’ll usually need to meet membership requirements.
- If you want to compare multiple lenders quickly, online marketplaces can be the easiest place to start.
- And while some lenders advertise “no-interest” credit lines, many still charge monthly fees that can make borrowing expensive.
What can you use it for?
You can use a line of credit for almost anything, including:
- Covering gaps between paychecks
- Emergency repairs (car or home)
- Medical bills or vet bills
- Short-term cash flow for freelancers
- Debt consolidation (only if rates are lower than your credit cards)
Personal line of credit rates in 2026
Personal line of credit rates vary depending on your credit profile, the lender, and whether your credit line is secured or unsecured. In general, borrowers with good to excellent credit qualify for the lowest rates, while borrowers with fair credit may see higher APRs.
Most personal lines of credit come with variable APRs, which are tied to broader market interest rates. That means your borrowing cost can change over time, even if your credit score stays the same.
Several factors affect your personal line of credit APR, including:
- Credit score and credit history
- Income and employment stability
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
- Whether the line is secured (backed by collateral)
- Lender type (bank vs. credit union vs. online lender)
If you’re shopping for a line of credit in 2026, pay attention to more than the advertised APR. Some lenders advertise low rates but charge fees that increase the true cost of borrowing.
Types of personal lines of credit
You might be able to choose between two types:
- Unsecured: No collateral; higher rates but faster access.
- Secured: Backed by savings, investments, or home equity; lower rates, but your asset is at risk if you default.
Can you get a personal line of credit for bad credit?
It’s possible to get a personal line of credit with bad credit, but it’s usually harder than getting a credit card or a small personal loan. Many banks require good credit, and unsecured personal lines of credit often come with stricter approval standards than other borrowing products.
If your credit score is below the mid-600s, your best options may include:
- Credit line marketplaces that match you with lenders based on your profile
- Fee-based credit lines (which don’t charge interest but may have monthly fees)
- Secured credit lines backed by savings or collateral
That said, borrowers with bad credit should be cautious. Some credit lines come with high APRs or unpredictable fee structures that can make borrowing much more expensive than expected.
If you’re using a line of credit to cover an emergency, it’s best to borrow only what you need and create a payoff plan right away to avoid carrying a long-term balance.
Personal line of credit requirements
- Credit score: Often 580+, better rates with 680+
- Employment/income: Stable employment and income verification required
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Preferably below 35% to show manageable debt levels
How to get a personal line of credit
Getting a personal line of credit is similar to applying for a loan, but approval requirements depend on the lender. Some banks require you to apply in person, while online lenders may let you complete the process in minutes.
Here’s how to apply for a personal line of credit:
1. Check your credit score
Most lenders review your credit score and credit history. A higher score can help you qualify for a larger credit limit and a lower APR.
2. Compare lenders and credit line types
Some lenders offer unsecured lines of credit, while others offer secured credit lines or HELOCs. Comparing rates, fees, and credit limits can help you find the best fit.
Quick guide: Which type of lender is best for you?
- Choose a bank if you have good credit and want lower rates
- Choose a credit union if you want competitive HELOC or secured credit line options
- Choose a marketplace if you want to compare lenders without applying everywhere
- Choose a fee-based credit line only if you need fast access and can repay quickly
3. Gather your income and employment details
Many lenders require documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of employment. Self-employed borrowers may need additional paperwork.
4. Submit an application
Depending on the lender, you may apply online, over the phone, or in a branch. You may need to provide your:
- Social Security number
- Proof of income
- Monthly housing payment
- Bank account details
5. Review your credit limit and terms
If approved, your lender will assign a credit limit and interest rate. Review fees carefully, including annual fees, late fees, and withdrawal fees.
6. Access funds as needed
Once your account is open, you can draw from the line of credit and repay over time. As you repay the balance, your available credit replenishes.
Personal line of credit vs. personal loan
You can use a personal line of credit and a personal loan for many of the same expenses, but they work differently.
A personal loan gives you a lump sum upfront and fixed monthly payments. A personal line of credit gives you ongoing access to funds, and you borrow only what you need.
In general, personal loans are better for one-time expenses, while personal lines of credit are better for ongoing or unpredictable costs. If you want a deeper breakdown, check out our full guide on line of credit vs. personal loan.
Pros and cons
Pros
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Flexible access to funds
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Only pay interest on what you use
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Often lower rates than credit cards
Cons
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Variable rates can increase costs
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Fees may apply
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Overuse can hurt your credit score
Alternatives
If you’re not sure a personal line of credit is right for you, consider other options, including these:
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| Personal loan | Lump sums, fixed payments, and rates |
| HELOC | Homeowners needing large funds tied to equity |
| Credit card | Small purchases, rewards, or short-term needs |
FAQ
Is a personal line of credit hard to get?
A personal line of credit can be harder to qualify for than a credit card, especially if it’s unsecured. Many banks and credit unions require good credit, stable income, and a low debt-to-income ratio.
If you have fair credit or limited credit history, you may still qualify through an online lender or marketplace, but you may receive a smaller credit limit or higher borrowing costs.
What credit score do you need?
Most lenders prefer borrowers with credit scores of at least 600 to 680, though requirements vary. Some banks may expect scores in the high 600s or above, while certain online lenders may approve borrowers with lower scores.
In general:
- Excellent credit (720+): Best rates and highest limits
- Good credit (680–719): Competitive rates and approval odds
- Fair credit (620–679): Approval possible, but higher rates
- Bad credit (below 620): Limited options unless secured
Keep in mind that lenders also evaluate your income, employment history, and overall debt, not just your score.
Is a personal line of credit better than a credit card?
A personal line of credit can be better than a credit card if you want a higher borrowing limit or a lower interest rate. Many credit lines also offer more flexible borrowing options, especially for larger expenses.
However, credit cards may be a better choice for smaller everyday purchases, rewards and cashback programs, and short-term borrowing you can repay quickly
If you tend to carry a balance, a personal line of credit may be a more affordable option, especially if the APR is lower than your credit card rate.
Can you use a personal line of credit for anything?
Yes, you can use a personal line of credit for any purpose, including consolidating high-interest debt, renovating your home, taking a vacation, improving cash flow, or making a large purchase.
How we selected the best personal lines of credit
Since 2017, LendEDU has evaluated personal loan companies to help readers find the best personal loans. Our latest analysis reviewed 1,029 data points from 49 lenders and financial institutions, with 21 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.
These data points are organized into broader categories, which our editorial team weights and scores based on their relative importance to readers. These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.
Higher star ratings are ultimately awarded to companies that create an excellent borrower experience with affordable financing solutions. This includes offering online eligibility checks, cost transparency, little to no fees, and other unique benefits to support borrowers in repayment.
List of personal loan and line of credit companies we evaluated
- Achieve
- Avant
- Axos
- Balance Credit
- Best Egg
- Citibank
- Credible
- DCU
- Discover
- Earnest
- Elastic
- Happy Money
- Huntington Bank
- Jora Credit
- KeyBank
- LendingClub
- LendingPoint
- LendingTree
- LightStream
- Lift Credit
- M&T Bank
- Marcus
- Mariner Finance
- Moneykey
- Navy Federal
- NetCredit
- Oportun
- OppLoans
- OneMain Financial
- PenFed CU
- Personify Financial
- PNC
- Possible Finance
- Prosper
- Regions Bank
- Reliable Credit
- RISE Credit
- Rocket Loans
- Santander
- SoFi
- Splash Financial
- Tally
- TD Bank
- Truist
- U.S. Bank
- Upgrade
- Upstart
- USAA
- Wells Fargo
Recap of the best personal lines of credit
About our contributors
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Written by Catherine CollinsCatherine Collins is a personal finance writer and author with more than 10 years of experience writing for top personal finance publications. As a mother to boy/girl twins, she is passionate about helping women and children learn about money and entrepreneurship. Cat is also the co-host of the Five Year You podcast.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.